DadGuard Protection Plans
Because accidents happen. DadGuard caps your liability so you can focus on shooting.
DadGuard
Covers accidental damage to the camera and included equipment during normal use.
What's covered
- Accidental drops and impacts
- Accidental lens damage
Your liability
Capped at 10% of replacement value. Without DadGuard, you're responsible for the full repair or replacement cost.
DadGuard+
Everything in DadGuard, plus coverage for theft, fire, lightning, windstorm, and total loss.
What's covered
- Everything in DadGuard
- Theft (with police report)
- Fire, lightning, windstorm
- Total loss
- Mechanical failure refund
Your liability
Capped at 10% of replacement value. Same cap, broader coverage.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Scenario | No Coverage | DadGuard | DadGuard+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accidental drop | Full repair cost | Capped at 10% | Capped at 10% |
| Lens crack from impact | Full replacement | Capped at 10% | Capped at 10% |
| Stolen from car | Full replacement | Full replacement | Capped at 10% |
| Fire or storm damage | Full replacement | Full replacement | Capped at 10% |
| Total loss | Full replacement | Full replacement | Capped at 10% |
| Mechanical failure | Pro-rated refund (Sec. 7) | Pro-rated refund (Sec. 7) | Full rental refund* |
| Water / liquid damage | Full repair cost | Not covered | Not covered |
| Sand contamination | Full repair cost | Not covered | Not covered |
| Sun / sensor burn | Full repair cost | Not covered | Not covered |
Your Maximum Liability by Camera
With DadGuard or DadGuard+, the most you'll ever owe for covered damage is 10% of the camera's replacement value.
| Camera | Collection | Replacement Value | Your Max (10%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sony HDR-CX130 | Essential | $794 | $79 |
| Sony HDR-PJ340 | Essential | $876 | $88 |
| JVC HD3U | Signature | $1,098 | $110 |
| JVC HD7U | Signature | $1,346 | $135 |
| Canon XL1S | Cinema | $1,976 | $198 |
| Canon XH A1S | Cinema | $2,306 | $231 |
Real-World Examples
Camera slides off table at reception
Your kid sets the camera on a table and someone bumps it. The lens cracks. With DadGuard, your liability is capped at 10% of replacement value instead of the full repair bill.
Tripod tips over on the driveway
A gust of wind knocks the tripod and the camera hits concrete. DadGuard covers accidental impact damage. Your liability is capped at 10% of replacement value instead of the full repair bill.
Stolen from your car overnight
You left the camera in a locked car and someone broke in. DadGuard+ covers theft with a police report filed within 48 hours. Standard DadGuard does not cover theft.
Lens motor stops working mid-shoot
The lens motor fails during normal use. With DadGuard+, you get a full rental refund (minus shipping and protection fees) after our post-rental inspection confirms the failure. Without DadGuard+, Section 7 covers a pro-rated refund for unused days.
Spilled a drink on the camera
Water and liquid damage is excluded from both plans. We recommend keeping the camera in its case when not in use, especially at outdoor events near drinks.
What's NOT Covered
Neither DadGuard nor DadGuard+ covers:
- Water or liquid damage (submersion, rain, spills)
- Sand or particulate contamination
- Sun damage or sensor burn (pointing at the sun)
- Intentional damage or gross negligence
- Cosmetic damage that doesn't affect function
- Loss of footage or data
- Equipment used by someone other than the renter
Important Details
- DadGuard is a contractual liability cap, not an insurance policy. Dadcam Rentals (Nightfox Films) self-insures all protection plans.
- Coverage begins when the carrier first attempts delivery and ends when the return shipment is scanned.
- You must report damage within 24 hours of discovery. Unreported damage found on return will be presumed to have occurred during your rental.
- Theft claims require a police report filed within 48 hours.
- Protection plan fees are non-refundable once equipment ships.
- Mechanical failure refund (DadGuard+ only) is determined by Dadcam's post-rental inspection at sole discretion.
Without DadGuard
If you decline both plans, you're responsible for the full repair or replacement cost of any damage beyond normal wear and tear. Our cameras are inspected and tested before every rental. Any new damage is documented and charged at fair market repair rates.
Full coverage terms are documented in our Rental Agreement (Section 6).
DadGuard Questions
Is DadGuard insurance?
When does coverage start and end?
What if I drop the camera?
What if the camera is stolen?
What counts as water damage?
Do I have to report damage right away?
Can I add DadGuard after booking?
Is the protection fee refundable?
What if the camera stops working on its own?
What counts as mechanical failure?
Still have questions? Email info@dadcamrentals.com. We're happy to walk you through coverage before you book.
All equipment is rented as-is. We test before every shipment but do not guarantee uninterrupted operation of vintage electronics. If your camera stops working through no fault of your own, see our equipment issue policy in the Rental Agreement (Section 7). DadGuard+ customers may also be eligible for a mechanical failure refund (Section 6). *Full rental refund excludes shipping and DadGuard+ fees.